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Sabalenka Says Trans Women Hold 'Huge Advantage' As Dubai 'Battle of the Sexes' Nears

Her remarks land as the WTA allows transgender women to compete under strict eligibility rules.

Overview

  • The exhibition between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios is scheduled for December 28 at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena with modified rules to narrow the gap.
  • Sabalenka told Piers Morgan that competing against transgender women is "not fair" to female athletes, and Kyrgios said he agreed with her position.
  • Organisers confirmed adjustments including a nine percent smaller court on Sabalenka’s side, a single serve for both players, and a best‑of‑three format with a 10‑point tiebreak at 1‑1.
  • Broadcaster Katherine Whittaker criticised the event as a publicity stunt and accused Kyrgios of "choosing to stand for and represent misogyny."
  • The WTA policy permits transgender women who meet criteria such as a multi‑year female gender declaration, testosterone suppression to defined thresholds, and ongoing testing, with case‑by‑case discretion.